1921-D Mercury Dime. MS-65 FB (PCGS).Eagerly sought Full Bands Gem quality for this key date Mercury dime issue. The strike is truly impressive, virtually all design elements fully defined while those at the borders are sharp and distinct from the rims. Smooth and lustrous throughout, both sides are brilliant apart from a splash of iridescent champagne-apricot toning in the center of the reverse. Dime production at the Denver Mint amounted to 1,080,000 pieces, a sharp reduction from the previous years total of 19,171,000 coins, attributable to the economic recession of 1921 and 1922 that followed the United States booming economy during World War One. Scarcer than the similarly elusive 1921 in circulated grades, the 1921-D is an interesting issue as far as the quality of Mint State survivors are concerned. While such pieces are rare by the standards of the Mercury dime series, Full Bands examples make up the majority of the Uncirculated population in numismatic circles. On the other hand, most 1921-D dimes are softly defined around the peripheries. A noteworthy departure from this norm, this expertly produced example is sure to elicit strong bids from astute Mercury dime enthusiasts.
